In the early 2000s, a mother and her sons celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, or as it is commonly known in parts of Southeast Asia, Hari Raya or Aidilfitri. The window is part of a traditional Malay house, usually found in a kampung or village, complete with intricate wood-carving motifs. Outside, the air is filled with the scents of festive cooking: lemang, ketupat and rendang, while families exchange gifts, greetings and laughter, preserving a centuries-old tradition of community, faith and family.
A mother and her sons celebrating Eid-ul-fitr or commonly known in some of Southeast Asia countries as Hari Raya or Aidilfitri.
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Beneath the cheerful exterior of Eid al-Fitr, however, are a class of people who are tied to duty. An aerial view shows Turkish soldiers, known as the ‘Border Eagles,’ stationed along the Turkish-Iranian border in Ağrı, Turkiye, on April 8, 2024, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. These elite border guards are tasked with monitoring remote and often rugged terrain, ensuring security in a region of strategic importance. Despite the demanding conditions, many observe Eid quietly on duty, sharing modest meals, offering prayers from makeshift spaces and connecting with family over phone calls, finding moments of reflection and celebration amongst their watchful eye.
